Merle Leininger

Biography

Merle E. Leininger, 95, of Sidney, passed away at 11:13 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Dorothy Love Retirement Community in Sidney. He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio on February 6, 1921 to the late Walter E. and Kathryn (Brann) Leininger.

On November 15, 1943 Merle married the former Kathryn L. Fogt, and she preceded him in death on December 30, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Oakley.

Merle is survived by his two children, Cynthia (Jim) Lehman and Tom (Betty) Leininger; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a brother, Ray Leininger; and his nieces and nephews.

A Captain in the U.S Army Air Corps, Merle served as a B17 pilot and Instrument Flying Instructor during WWII. Merle and his brother, Ray, started Leininger Brothers Lumber Company in Jackson Center in 1948. Merle later opened the Feed Bag Restaurant in Jackson Center. After selling the restaurant in 1965, he became a self-employed contractor and owner of Leininger Construction in 1966. Merle was also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, Stokes Lodge #305 F&AM in Port Jefferson, and Past Master of Jackson Center Lodge #458 F&AM.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 214 W. Pike Street, Jackson Center. Pastor Jon Schriber will officiate a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Port Jefferson, Ohio with military rites by the Jackson Center American Legion.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Jackson Center.